India demands U.S. ban on SFJ—Will Washington act against Khalistani extremists?

India has formally urged the United States to classify Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan group advocating for Punjab’s secession, as a terrorist organization under U.S. laws. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made the request during a meeting with U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, who is currently on a three-day visit to India. The Indian government views SFJ as a serious security threat and has already designated it as a terrorist entity under domestic law. Rajnath Singh emphasized SFJ’s alleged links with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and its involvement in extremist activities that pose a risk to India’s sovereignty.

This diplomatic appeal marks a significant step in India’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly in curbing separatist movements operating internationally. The request aligns with India’s broader strategy to dismantle overseas networks that, according to Indian intelligence agencies, provide financial and logistical support to pro-Khalistan extremists.

What is Sikhs for Justice, and Why is India Targeting the Organization?

Sikhs for Justice, founded in 2007, has been at the forefront of the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state separate from India. The group, based in the United States, has been a vocal proponent of Khalistani separatism and has actively promoted referendums among the Sikh diaspora to push for Punjab’s secession.

India formally banned SFJ on July 10, 2019, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), declaring it an “unlawful association.” The Indian government contends that SFJ’s activities are not merely political advocacy but part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the country. Indian authorities have accused SFJ of attempting to radicalize Sikh youth, incite violence, and orchestrate attacks against Indian officials abroad.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s primary counterterrorism body, has launched multiple cases against SFJ members, including its leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been individually designated as a terrorist under the UAPA. Pannun and other SFJ operatives have been accused of issuing violent threats, targeting Indian diplomatic missions, and allegedly conspiring with Pakistan-based groups.

How Has SFJ Been Linked to Terror-Related Incidents?

Indian authorities have pointed to multiple incidents that they claim implicate SFJ in acts of violence and terror-related activities. One of the most notable cases is the 2022 tiffin bomb plot, where an explosive device was planted outside Model Jail in Chandigarh. Investigators linked this attempt to SFJ’s Germany-based operative Jaswinder Singh Multani, who was allegedly coordinating with ISI handlers to orchestrate attacks in India.

Further, intelligence reports suggest that SFJ has been funding extremist elements within Punjab, encouraging arson attacks, and using social media platforms to instigate anti-India protests. Indian agencies argue that these activities go beyond the scope of political activism and represent a clear threat to national security.

The group’s increasing aggression in targeting Indian diplomats and institutions abroad has also alarmed the Indian government. In recent years, SFJ members have staged protests outside Indian embassies in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, often with violent undertones. The vandalism of Indian consulates in San Francisco and London in 2023 further fueled India’s concerns about SFJ’s operations and their growing international footprint.

What Role Does Pakistan Allegedly Play in Supporting SFJ?

India has consistently accused Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, of backing Khalistani separatist movements, including SFJ. According to Indian security agencies, ISI provides financial and logistical support to SFJ and other pro-Khalistan factions as part of a broader strategy to create instability in Punjab.

Indian officials have cited intercepted communications and financial transactions linking SFJ operatives to handlers in Pakistan. Intelligence assessments suggest that ISI has facilitated the movement of Khalistani extremists, provided training in sabotage tactics, and used SFJ as a proxy to fuel anti-India sentiment among Sikh communities abroad.

New Delhi has repeatedly raised this issue with Washington, urging the U.S. to take a stronger stance against groups that operate within American borders but engage in activities detrimental to India’s security. The latest meeting between Rajnath Singh and Tulsi Gabbard appears to be part of this ongoing diplomatic effort to secure broader international action against SFJ.

What Was Discussed During Tulsi Gabbard’s Visit to India?

Tulsi Gabbard’s visit to India, the first by a senior official from the new U.S. administration, has centered on intelligence and security cooperation. In addition to her meeting with Rajnath Singh, she held discussions with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and attended an annual intelligence conference hosted by the Indian government.

On Monday, Gabbard met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. A statement from Modi’s office noted that they exchanged views on strengthening counterterrorism efforts and enhancing cooperation in maritime and cybersecurity domains.

Gabbard, a former U.S. Congresswoman and the first Hindu member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has long been an advocate for stronger India-U.S. relations. She has previously condemned Pakistan’s role in supporting extremist groups and has called for deeper counterterrorism collaboration between the two nations.

During her meeting with Modi, Gabbard presented him with a rosary made of tulsi (holy basil), a significant religious symbol in Hinduism. Modi, in return, gifted her Ganga Jal from the recent Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

What Could Be the Implications of the U.S. Designating SFJ as a Terrorist Group?

If the U.S. were to officially classify SFJ as a terrorist organization, it would mark a significant diplomatic victory for India. Such a designation would lead to severe financial restrictions on SFJ, limiting its ability to fundraise, conduct operations, or lobby international institutions. It would also allow U.S. authorities to prosecute SFJ-linked individuals under counterterrorism laws and enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms between India and the U.S.

However, the U.S. government has historically been cautious in designating groups as terrorist organizations without extensive evidence linking them to acts of violence within American jurisdiction. While Washington has taken action against individuals associated with violent Khalistani separatism, a blanket designation of SFJ remains uncertain.

India’s push for this designation comes amid growing global scrutiny of extremist organizations operating under the guise of advocacy. If the U.S. does move forward with such a classification, it could set a precedent for other Western nations to follow suit, further isolating pro-Khalistan groups on the international stage.

As India and the U.S. continue to expand their security partnership, New Delhi’s persistent diplomatic efforts may eventually lead to tougher actions against SFJ and similar groups. The coming months will reveal whether Washington is willing to align more closely with India’s stance on Khalistani extremism.